Guest post by Dr. Rachelle Sultana, PhD, AEP, M Clin Ex Phys, B Ex Sp Sci By now, the role of physical activity and exercise in promoting better health is universally accepted. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 27% of adults do not meet its recommended levels of physical activity. If we factor in adolescents, the figure jumps to a staggering 80%. Physical inactivity is among the most important behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart disease and stroke. It is clear that exercise, along with a healthy diet, is crucial in preventing heart d ..read more

Contributed by Ryan Peterson. Photo by Vasiliy Skuratov Who knew that your skin, your body’s largest and most fabulous organ, could be a tattletale when it comes to the health of your ticker? That’s right, people, your skin can be like that one honest friend who tells you that yes, indeed, those pants do make you look funny. Now, before we jump into this, remember: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. I’m just a curious soul with access to Google and a penchant for connecting dots – sometimes in a very abstract, Picasso-like manner. So, if you suspect something’s up with your heart, ple ..read more

Guest post provided by Michael Spigler, Vice President of Patient Support and Education, American Kidney Fund When it comes to taking care of your health, think of heart disease and kidney disease as interconnected partners. If your kidneys don’t function properly, it can lead to issues like high blood pressure and inflammation, putting your heart at risk. Additionally, heart problems can negatively affect your kidneys by reducing blood flow to them. Having chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that you’re more likely to get heart disease. The reverse is also true: heart disease can cause CKD. I ..read more

Contributed by Ryan Peterson. Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava Seasonal affective disorder is now recognized as a genuine medical issue. If you aren’t sure what it is, you may already be experiencing it. In the past, it was called the Winter Blues and was dismissed as something trivial. However, recent studies have shown that it can be very detrimental to your health and well-being, as well as affecting your social life and work. You can combat SAD with physical activity and nature, both of which you get en masse with hiking. What the Heck is SAD? Commonly known as the Winter Blues, SAD is a depre ..read more

Are you worried about your heart health? Heart health is something to think about more as you get older. Increased age equals an increased risk of heart issues. There are certain factors that put you at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Below are some of the factors that impact heart health and steps you can take to reduce your risk. High Cholesterol  Heart disease risk increases with high cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol may be caused by poor dietary choices. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, high in fiber, with low-fa ..read more

A defibrillator is a critical piece of life-saving equipment. They are used in most healthcare settings to help support patients suffering from cardiac difficulties. However, there are a wide range of defibrillators on the market today. It can be confusing to navigate and understand the various defibrillator types and how each performs and supports patients. Here we will discuss the various types of defibrillators currently on the market to help you understand what they do and what circumstances they are most suited to. Photo by RODNAE ProductionsWhat is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a m ..read more

Contributed by Ryan Peterson. As everyone knows, your heart is an organ you cannot live without. It is what pumps blood – and therefore oxygen – around your body, ensuring that all other organs are taken care of. If your heart has a problem, it can be fatal, and it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Sometimes recognizing the warning signs that your heart is in trouble can be difficult. They might be more minor than you would expect, or perhaps you mistake the signs for something else. That’s why it’s important to understand what the signs are so you get help immediately. Photo by Clar ..read more

Contributed by Ryan Peterson. There are many things to think about when it comes to your health and well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss five factors that are important for you to keep in mind. These five factors are diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and social connectedness. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors! 1) Diet The food you eat plays a big role in your overall health and well-being. Eating a nutritious diet can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is also important to eat a balanced ..read more

Contributed by Ryan Peterson. Good health is something that we all strive for, but it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many things to think about – diet, exercise, sleep, stress management – it’s easy to become overwhelmed. This blog post will discuss the basic rules for good health that everyone should know and follow. Eat a healthy diet. This is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Eating a diet that is high in nutritious foods will help your body to function at its best and reduce your risk for diseases. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, veg ..read more

Contributed by Ryan Peterson. Good health is something that we all strive for, but it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many things to think about – diet, exercise, sleep, stress management – it’s easy to become overwhelmed. This blog post will discuss the basic rules for good health that everyone should know and follow. Eat a healthy diet. This is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Eating a diet that is high in nutritious foods will help your body to function at its best and reduce your risk for diseases. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, veg ..read more